<--- California Turkey (Ancient Animal) Hidden Turkey (Future Animal) ---> Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris)
The Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris was the first subspecies of the Wild Turkey species encountered by the Puritans. The Eastern Wild Turkey covers the largest range amongst all subspecies of the Meleagris Gallopavo. It is the most endangered subspecies as it is largely hunted. It was once known as the forest turkey back in the 1817.
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Galliformes
Family
Phasianidae
Subfamily
Meleagridinae
Genus
Meleagris
Species
Gallopavo
Subspecies
Silvetris
The Eastern Wild Turkey (Male) http://fatfinch.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/wild_turkey_eastern_us.jpg
The differences between Male and Female Wild Turkeys http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/resource-room/general/poultry/turkey.gif
Habitat
The Eastern Wild Turkey is native in North America and it ranges from the eastern half of the United States to some places in Canada which include the Maritime Province. The subspecies is most hunted in the eastern part of the United States and has became an endangered species. It could be found in hardwood and forest areas in the United States.
According to the National Wild Turkey Federation: "Eastern wild turkeys are found in 38 states and two Canadian provinces. It is the most abundant of the five subspecies found in the U.S. and Canada"
The Eastern Wild Turkey is a species that have become well adapated to its Habitat and can live in various environments which range from hardwood to softwood forests, agricultural fields and also open pastures. It is often found in the hardwood forests in New England, Southern Canada and Northern Florida. The Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris have a very extended range in the western boundaries in East Texas and Eastern Oklahoma and even to Minnesota. Although not originated formerly in as many provinces within the United States it has been brought to provinces such as California, Washington and also part of the Rocky Mountains. It has also been transplanted in two provinces in Canada. Amongst all the subspecies that could be found in the United States of America and Canda the Eastern Wild Turkey is located the farthest north and therefore contributed to the adaptation of having a larger sized body compared to the other subspecies.
Similar to its ancestor the California Turkey, its habitat is located in areas with vegetation and within the same continent. However both have been separated quite far apart geographically and have both developed different features in order to adapt to their habitats. One is on the Eastern side whilst the other only found on the Western side of the continent. It is still evident though that the two species have quite alot in common compared to other Meleagris species. As the map have shown, the Eastern Wild Turkey ranges across North America in the United States and Canada more widely spread compared to other Meleagris species and also subspecies of the Meleagris Gallopavo.
The range of the Eastern Wild Turkey is the Dark Blue Highlighted Areas on the map http://media.basspro.com/images/articles/range_map_large.jpg
There have also been management programs conducted to manage Wild Turkey habitats. As the Eastern Wild Turkey have became an endangered species due to the severe hunting of them, habitat management particular for this subspecies have also be conducted. Those that are engaged in supporting this program are searching for the best land to fit the turkey and it is estimated that it would take up 10-15% of open land as well. Areas with dense bush and tall grass are also deeply considered for the Eastern Wild Turkey as they seem to like creating their nests in such areas. Also because the Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris is an Omnivore and its diet is approximately divided as 90% plants and 10% animals it requires large amounts of plants for its diet. These include fruits, seeds, crops and most other plants as well. Animals that it eats include Earthworms, Lizards and other insects. Acorns is a large part of its diet, covering up to one third. Grasses and Seeds are usually ate during the Winter and Spring period and insects an important part of its diet during the Summer.As it is usually preyed by animals such as the Coyote and Wolves. The created habitats would save many endangered individuals and prolong the lives of the subspecies.
The Eastern Wild Turkey Habitat Management http://www.fws.gov/clarksriver/images/20%20-%20bachelors4.JPG
Adaptations Behavioural Adaptation 1
The Eastern Wild Turkey has a special form of learning known as imprinting. Imprinting occurs 24 hours after the hen gave birth to its offspring and it is a strong bond between them. During imprinting, the young turkeys rapidly learn to recognise their own species in order to survive. Imprinting only happens during that time and it rapidly makes the young facilitate as adults.
The Environment Pressure that could have given rise to this imprinting skill would be because the Eastern Wild Turkey is the most hunted of Wild Turkey subspecies and for survival, the young have to be able to know who are from their own species and who are its predators. Or else, they have no chance of survival in the severe hunting of Eastern Wild Turkeys.
Behavioural Adaptation 2
The eggs laid by the hen Labelled by Jane Yip http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Wildlife_images/nest_NWTF.jpg
Hatching takes place for the Eastern Wild Turkey when pipping begins. Pipping is the poult rotating inside its own shell and breaking out of it. The hen responds to its young by a clucking sound which is the communication between the hen and its poult. As the hen continues inspecting the eggs, imprint begins. The damp poults become free from their egg shells but come out dryly as to ensure that they can leave the nest along with its mother within 12-24 hours.
The pipping and clucking vocal communication between the hen and its poult is critical for the young as it provides them with the information required for survival during the hatching process. Without this vocal communication, the young would be unknown to the dangers that await them in the wild.
Like the behavioural adaptation of imprinting, the vocal communication not only between the hen and its poult but within the subspecies helps convey critical information and also gives the poult a higher chance of survival after surviving through adulthood. The Environmental Pressure for the rise of this adaptation is the need to find out about their predators so that they can survive. Structural Adaptation 1
The bone structure of the Sclerotic Ring Labelled by Jane Yip http://pmimages.worthpoint.com/thumbnails2/1/1007/15/1_d18718ccfa6e4cb85f65b6bfff36415e.jpg
The Eastern Wild Turkey have eyes that are large and separated. Their eyes are protected by rings around them that are like bony plates. This plate is called the sclerotic ring.
The importance of its eyes for survival in the wild is extremely critical. It is needed for looking out for predators and also for its own subspecies in order to survive. Having protection to its eyes keeps the skill that they have for being able to see what is going on around them and looking for places to escape its predators. Adding to the adaptation of being able to recognise its own subspecies, the Eastern Wild Turkey can use its eyes to distinguish between its enemies and allies which is important as without this ability, they could more easily be hunted and killed for food.
The critical requirement to keep its sharp eye sight in the wild due to climate change and also being able to see around is a rise to the adaptation of having the sclerotic ring to protect its eyes. The sclerotic ring protects it from the cold climate as well. Structural Adaptation 2
Snood- Hearing Organ Labelled by Jane Yip http://media.basspro.com/images/articles/eastern.jpg
The Eastern Wild Turkey have a long snood that extends below its beak. It usually lies flapping on the beak. It is more commonly found in male with more flesh on their necks, especially under its chin and around its beak. The snood is a hearing organ that aids the Eastern Wild Turkey. The Eastern Wild Turkey have sharp hearing because of this organ. Its hearing is 5 times more effective compared to human hearing.
Having sharp hearing not only helps hearing out the presence of possible predators but also helps it find the food it will need. In particular, insect sounds could be more easily detected during the summer because the Eastern Wild Turkey has the snood. The Eastern Wild Turkey also has the ear opening that allows the male to hear extremely well but not as well for the female. The Environmental pressure that could have given rise to the adaptation could be the need to be able to hear even during the rain and storm so that they can survive in its habitat.
Physiological Adaptation
The Eastern Wild Turkey has a Nervous system divided into two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, whilst the peripheral nervous system consists of nerves and ganglia. Some important parts of its brain include the Cerebellum and Optic lobes. The optic lobes gives them visual information and it reacts very quickly to even slight movements. The Cerebellum controls its posture and balance.
Being able to control its posture and balance is important to the Eastern Wild Turkey as males are often quite plump and both male and female turkeys are larger in size compared to the other subspecies. The nervous system controls its movement and other body activities, making sure that the turkey's coordination is right. This is especially useful when the animal is trying to escape by flight or running as being able to maintain a posture suitable for these two heavy activities and in the same time coordinating its large body would be extremely difficult without a strong nervous system that aids it.
Environmental Pressure that could have given rise to the Eastern Wild Turkey having a stronger Nervous System is the need to be able to control its movement even during a change in climate such as less rain or colder weathers.
Physical Adaptations of the Eastern Wild Turkey http://3-ring-binder.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Cornell University. (n.d.) Turkey. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://nwco.net/PDF/turkey.pdf
Hidden Turkey (Future Animal) --->
Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris)
The Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris was the first subspecies of the Wild Turkey species encountered by the Puritans. The Eastern Wild Turkey covers the largest range amongst all subspecies of the Meleagris Gallopavo. It is the most endangered subspecies as it is largely hunted. It was once known as the forest turkey back in the 1817.
Habitat
The Eastern Wild Turkey is native in North America and it ranges from the eastern half of the United States to some places in Canada which include the Maritime Province. The subspecies is most hunted in the eastern part of the United States and has became an endangered species. It could be found in hardwood and forest areas in the United States.
According to the National Wild Turkey Federation:
"Eastern wild turkeys are found in 38 states and two Canadian provinces. It is the most abundant of the five subspecies found in the U.S. and Canada"
The Eastern Wild Turkey is a species that have become well adapated to its Habitat and can live in various environments which range from hardwood to softwood forests, agricultural fields and also open pastures. It is often found in the hardwood forests in New England, Southern Canada and Northern Florida. The Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris have a very extended range in the western boundaries in East Texas and Eastern Oklahoma and even to Minnesota. Although not originated formerly in as many provinces within the United States it has been brought to provinces such as California, Washington and also part of the Rocky Mountains. It has also been transplanted in two provinces in Canada. Amongst all the subspecies that could be found in the United States of America and Canda the Eastern Wild Turkey is located the farthest north and therefore contributed to the adaptation of having a larger sized body compared to the other subspecies.
Similar to its ancestor the California Turkey, its habitat is located in areas with vegetation and within the same continent. However both have been separated quite far apart geographically and have both developed different features in order to adapt to their habitats. One is on the Eastern side whilst the other only found on the Western side of the continent. It is still evident though that the two species have quite alot in common compared to other Meleagris species. As the map have shown, the Eastern Wild Turkey ranges across North America in the United States and Canada more widely spread compared to other Meleagris species and also subspecies of the Meleagris Gallopavo.
There have also been management programs conducted to manage Wild Turkey habitats. As the Eastern Wild Turkey have became an endangered species due to the severe hunting of them, habitat management particular for this subspecies have also be conducted. Those that are engaged in supporting this program are searching for the best land to fit the turkey and it is estimated that it would take up 10-15% of open land as well. Areas with dense bush and tall grass are also deeply considered for the Eastern Wild Turkey as they seem to like creating their nests in such areas. Also because the Meleagris Gallopavo Silvetris is an Omnivore and its diet is approximately divided as 90% plants and 10% animals it requires large amounts of plants for its diet. These include fruits, seeds, crops and most other plants as well. Animals that it eats include Earthworms, Lizards and other insects. Acorns is a large part of its diet, covering up to one third. Grasses and Seeds are usually ate during the Winter and Spring period and insects an important part of its diet during the Summer.As it is usually preyed by animals such as the Coyote and Wolves. The created habitats would save many endangered individuals and prolong the lives of the subspecies.
Adaptations
Behavioural Adaptation 1
The Eastern Wild Turkey has a special form of learning known as imprinting. Imprinting occurs 24 hours after the hen gave birth to its offspring and it is a strong bond between them. During imprinting, the young turkeys rapidly learn to recognise their own species in order to survive. Imprinting only happens during that time and it rapidly makes the young facilitate as adults.
The Environment Pressure that could have given rise to this imprinting skill would be because the Eastern Wild Turkey is the most hunted of Wild Turkey subspecies and for survival, the young have to be able to know who are from their own species and who are its predators. Or else, they have no chance of survival in the severe hunting of Eastern Wild Turkeys.
Behavioural Adaptation 2
Hatching takes place for the Eastern Wild Turkey when pipping begins. Pipping is the poult rotating inside its own shell and breaking out of it. The hen responds to its young by a clucking sound which is the communication between the hen and its poult. As the hen continues inspecting the eggs, imprint begins. The damp poults become free from their egg shells but come out dryly as to ensure that they can leave the nest along with its mother within 12-24 hours.
The pipping and clucking vocal communication between the hen and its poult is critical for the young as it provides them with the information required for survival during the hatching process. Without this vocal communication, the young would be unknown to the dangers that await them in the wild.
Like the behavioural adaptation of imprinting, the vocal communication not only between the hen and its poult but within the subspecies helps convey critical information and also gives the poult a higher chance of survival after surviving through adulthood. The Environmental Pressure for the rise of this adaptation is the need to find out about their predators so that they can survive.
Structural Adaptation 1
The Eastern Wild Turkey have eyes that are large and separated. Their eyes are protected by rings around them that are like bony plates. This plate is called the sclerotic ring.
The importance of its eyes for survival in the wild is extremely critical. It is needed for looking out for predators and also for its own subspecies in order to survive. Having protection to its eyes keeps the skill that they have for being able to see what is going on around them and looking for places to escape its predators. Adding to the adaptation of being able to recognise its own subspecies, the Eastern Wild Turkey can use its eyes to distinguish between its enemies and allies which is important as without this ability, they could more easily be hunted and killed for food.
The critical requirement to keep its sharp eye sight in the wild due to climate change and also being able to see around is a rise to the adaptation of having the sclerotic ring to protect its eyes. The sclerotic ring protects it from the cold climate as well.
Structural Adaptation 2
The Eastern Wild Turkey have a long snood that extends below its beak. It usually lies flapping on the beak. It is more commonly found in male with more flesh on their necks, especially under its chin and around its beak. The snood is a hearing organ that aids the Eastern Wild Turkey. The Eastern Wild Turkey have sharp hearing because of this organ. Its hearing is 5 times more effective compared to human hearing.
Having sharp hearing not only helps hearing out the presence of possible predators but also helps it find the food it will need. In particular, insect sounds could be more easily detected during the summer because the Eastern Wild Turkey has the snood. The Eastern Wild Turkey also has the ear opening that allows the male to hear extremely well but not as well for the female. The Environmental pressure that could have given rise to the adaptation could be the need to be able to hear even during the rain and storm so that they can survive in its habitat.
Physiological Adaptation
The Eastern Wild Turkey has a Nervous system divided into two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, whilst the peripheral nervous system consists of nerves and ganglia. Some important parts of its brain include the Cerebellum and Optic lobes. The optic lobes gives them visual information and it reacts very quickly to even slight movements. The Cerebellum controls its posture and balance.
Being able to control its posture and balance is important to the Eastern Wild Turkey as males are often quite plump and both male and female turkeys are larger in size compared to the other subspecies. The nervous system controls its movement and other body activities, making sure that the turkey's coordination is right. This is especially useful when the animal is trying to escape by flight or running as being able to maintain a posture suitable for these two heavy activities and in the same time coordinating its large body would be extremely difficult without a strong nervous system that aids it.
Environmental Pressure that could have given rise to the Eastern Wild Turkey having a stronger Nervous System is the need to be able to control its movement even during a change in climate such as less rain or colder weathers.
Bibliography
AvianWeb LLC. (2006). Physical Characteristics of the Wild Turkey. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://www.avianweb.com/wildturkeydescription.html
BowHunting.Net. (2010). North American Species Series. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://www.bowhunting.net/naspecies/wildturkey.html
California Department of Fish and Game. (2010). Turkey Guide. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame/docs/turkplan_04.pdf
National Wild Turkey Federation. (2010). NWTF Wildlife Bulletin no. 1. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/bulletins/bulletin_01.pdf
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Cornell University. (n.d.) Turkey. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://nwco.net/PDF/turkey.pdf
The Wild Turkey Zone. (2006). Eastern Wild Turkey. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://www.wildturkeyzone.com/wildturkey/eastern.htm
Wikipedia. (2010). Wild Turkey. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Turkey
VDGIF (2004). Eastern Wild Turkey Management. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/habitat_partners/infosheets/eastern_wild_turkey_habitat_management.html
Wild Turkey Home Page